A stunning seaside city in Hokkaido, Otaru is the perfect summer destination. Why, particularly? For one, the town has a nice balance between warm and cold weather – it’s pleasantly warm, without too much sun to tire you out after a single jaunt around the city. Beyond the weather, here’s more about why you should visit Otaru for your summer holiday.
Centrally Located Accommodation
Where you stay during your holiday can make things better or worse, especially during summer when all you want to do is explore outdoor attractions. Choosing the right place to stay is important.
Now, this is Otaru, the perfect summer destination, so you have everything you need for a great summer holiday – and that includes accommodation.
Centrally located hotels like Grand Park Otaru by Park Hotel Group provide easy access to all the fun things to do in Otaru in summer.
Weather
The beautiful weather of Otaru is a big plus. Summer brings warmer days. As the season moves forward, daytime temperatures rise from 17 degrees to 23 degrees, although on most days, it stays between 13 and 28 degrees.
Nights become a lot milder, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 9 degrees – it usually stays nearer to 17 degrees, though.
With an average low of 18 degrees, August 8th is usually the warmest summer night.
Sakaimachi Street
Located right across from the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street is a great place to visit in the summer for food and shopping. This street is about 900 metres long and runs from the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch to the Fairy Tale Crossroads.
Shops are housed in charming old buildings, adding a bit of historical charm to your summer shopping escapade. One of the reasons why Sakaimachi Street is so popular is that it’s just minutes from Otaru Canal, another must-visit for some summer fun.
On Sakaimachi Street, you can not only shop for unique Japanese-style souvenirs but also enjoy delicious food.
Otaru Sake
What better time is there to try some sake than the summer? Visit the Tanaka Shuzo Sake Brewery, which has been around since 1899. This brewery is known for making the beloved Takaragawa sake, as well as other various drinks like plum wine, sweet sake, and mirin. Because Otaru’s summer isn’t too warm, the brewery is open even during the summer months. It’s housed inside a stone warehouse built in 1905. Join a tour, which may take about 30 minutes tops.
Lavender Fields
There are plenty of places to see lavender and smell its intoxicating fragrance in Hokkaido. They make for fun day trips from Otaru. Below are some of the must-visit lavender farms.
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Farm Tomita Flower Fields
One of the most famous lavender farms in Hokkaido, Farm Tomita Flower Fields is in Furano. Offering breathtaking views of endless purple fields against the distant mountains, Farm Tomita is free to visit.
There are walking paths where you can enjoy the fragrance and the stunning beauty of the fields. Don’t forget to pop into the café for a lavender-flavoured ice cream. There’s also a shop selling lavender-themed souvenirs.
Check the operating hours of the farm before visiting, however. The farm sometimes closes due to weather conditions, but it’s usually open from June to July.
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Choei Lavender Farm
This farm, filled with the soothing fragrance of the purple blooms, is a must-visit because of the ski lift. You can take it to the top of the hill to see the beautiful lavender fields below. Slopes covered in lavender fields create a breathtaking sight.
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Rokugo Viewing Platform
To see lavender fields set against a gorgeous hill, visit the Rokugo Viewing Platform. Bring your camera because you’ll want to take pictures of the fields with Mount Tokachi in the background.
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Hinode Lavender Field
This is a bit of a hidden gem in Kamifurano. Perfect for a quieter experience with only a few people around, Hindoe Lavender Field is an absolute must-visit. The fields are on gentle slopes, and there’s a viewing deck as well. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most magical experience.
Make the most of your Otaru summer escape with a comfortable and centrally located stay at Grand Park Otaru. Book your adventure today!
